Horizons of Living and Affected Ahead

LA Corp Speaks

Truvada Approved for HIV-Negative People at High Risk of Infection

 

The Living Affected Corporation had mixed emotions concerning the issue of the FDA approving Truvada as an approved HIV drug as a "pre-exposure prophylaxis" or PrEP -- that is, for protecting uninfected people against HIV. However, ultimately it our belief the virus must be fought on many different levels and fronts that will require scaling up a innovative approaches that may be considered controversial. It is our contention that the FDA expressly message that PrEP with Truvada must include safer-sex practices, counseling, and HIV testing. It is our position that this approach can prevent many new infections and could dramatically impact HIV transmission worldwide as part of the tools we have available to stop the epidemic. Furthermore it our position that the FDA approval which comes with a risk-reduction program should be fully engaged to not to foster a mindset that risky behavior is now acceptable or usage of the drug prevents further infections.

 

We implore that doctors prescribing Truvada PrEP must ensure that patients test negative for HIV before taking the drug and that new tests are advised every three months at least complete with any confirmatory testing required.

In addition, people must be monitored for signs of kidney or bone problems -- which are among the long-term side effects sometimes seen with Truvada. Full knowledge of these side effects and other perhaps long lasting physical changes can not be discounted in the use of this drug.

According to the FDA, it says it will stay in close touch with those prescribing and taking Truvada PrEP to fine-tune the risk-reduction program. As an organization we also believe that this must be paramount to assess possible measurable outcomes and other impacts.

"Education is the key and targeted messaging will be a priority," said Board member, Devorain Anderson.  He concluded, "We are committed to working with our public health colleagues to learn how best to use Truvada for PrEP so we can fully achieve the public health benefit it represents."

With Truvada costing about $1,100 a month, LA Corp would hope that some further clarity will be forthcoming as to whether Truvada PrEP will be covered by insurance. Due to its pricing tier, we are of the opinion that economics could play a significant role in who and who will not be able to access the drug. For more information on both testing and counseling opportunities reach out to info@lacorponline.org or call 501.379.8203

Jackson Awarded

SREB-AGEP Doctoral Scholars Program

Damond Jackson is the first recipient of the SREB doctoral scholar’s award from the University of Central Arkansas. He is a PhD student in an Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies program at the university, the first and only one of its kind in the state, and one of few in this region of the country. Damond’s research focus is on Arkansas government agency effectiveness in HIV prevention relative to black MSM’s. He will offer the benefits of his academic acumen by serving as research and development consultant for LA Corps. the National Science Foundation (NSF) provides support services from the SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program to minority graduate students in the NSF Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) program.

The grant supports an initiative between the AGEP program and the SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program (a partnership that includes SREB states, other regional educational organizations, and federal and foundation programs that stress strengthening minority graduate education). The grant from the National Science Foundation achieves two broad goals for AGEP scholars: 1) increases the likelihood of completing a Ph.D. in science, technology, engineering or mathematics; and 2) encourages and prepares scholars for a career as a successful college faculty member.
By joining forces with SREB, AGEP alliances encourage their minority graduate students nationwide to earn doctoral degrees and become college and university faculty members.

Afterhours Networking Launches

The Board of Directors of The Living Affected Corporation has announced the launch of a "Afterhours Networking" event to begin August 1 from 6 to 9 pm at the organizations offices, 401 Maple Street, Suite A (First Presbyterian Church of North Little Rock). The event is designed to invite allies, supporters and sponsors to further understand LA Corp's vision and mission of "transforming communites through holistic health by providing education and advocacy." Chief Operating Officier, C. Mabin stated, " It very important that we share our organizational story which is ripe with lessons learned."  He continued, " Our goal is to make a connection with our allies and supporters that will allow us to bring others into wanting to help us effectively impact our clients with holistic outcomes."  Currently the organization has been in a re-tooling phase which included creating this event to scale up its strategic planning initiatives such as future board development, assessing funding streams, donor acquistion and retension plus further defining its position as a statewide organization that is informed and connected to changing the social construct of the community served by providing basic human rights. As a Arkansas Department of Health sub-grantee, The Living Affected Corporation has been the premiere organization addressing HIV /AIDS in the Black MSM community through its impending D-Up intervention diffuison, individual free HIV testing, serving as a community service outlet for those in the judical system and offering technical assistance throughout the city. The event is free. For more information contact: 501.379.8203 or 877.902.7HIV